The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1887-12-16

Annual Report Of the Secretary. A Kumbsr
ol Recommendation.

w NAshANuIONs hcCs n.--1uc annual It-
port OF the secretary OF war shows that
expenditures of the department during
the fiscal year amount to sll 1856, ,l65.
The estimates for the next fiscal year ag-
gregate $5S, ,SlS, 40, against an appropria-
tion for the current year OF SSi ,655, 500.
The increase is caused by the incorpora.
ton OF estimates Of s23 1850, l5l for pub
lie works, including river and harbor inn
provements. the expenditures OF this
account for the current year amounting
TO only l,30s, 400.
The secretary says: "The estimates
for military establishment are based on
the actual requirements OF the serkice
During the recent years the appropria-
ton FOR transportation OF Tie army has
been inadequate 10 meet the cost there
Of, and the failure to appropriate funds
for that service hal caused much embar.
Tassment."
The secretary refers to Gen. Schofeld's
recommendation that at least one eight
inch muzzle- loading gun, with appliances
for target practice. and one or more new
breech-loading guns and mortars, be- fur
nished each military post, with view 70
improvement in atillery instruction.
THE INDIANS.
Touching Geronimo and his fellow
captiyes, now confined at the Fort Pick
ems and Mount Vernon barracks, the re.
port says that at this time il il diff.
cult matter to find for them a permanent
home for many reasons. 1t il impossible
To return them to Arizona. Under the
existing laws they cannot be taken TO In
dian Territory, and on the northern
reservations the climate is too cold for
them.
The report refers briefly 10 the din.
Guilty in August last in Colorado between
the state authorities and Colorow's
bands Of Utes, and says an effort should
be made for restoration Of this property
% the Indians.
This report approves recommenda-
tion in Gen. Sheridan's report touching
the extension OF all possible aid by the
general government 10 the national
guard OF the different states, and sug-
gesting system Of national encamp-
ments for state militia, at the expense OF
the national government.
PAY DEPARTMENT DISPUTES.
In reference to the pay department Of
the army. the report says: There is fre-
qnently clashing of authority between
the war and the treasury departments in
regard to payments directed by the
former. To the great embarrassment OF
the disbursing officer, accounts are dis
allowed. The disallowance OF payments
made by and under such authority
works great hardship TO the disbursing
officer, as on one hand he Is confronted
with charge OF disobedience. and on
the other assuming liability for which
either he or his securities will be held
pecuniarily responsible. In order to pre-
vent this / recommend that the powers
Of the respective department be clearly
defined by legislative act.
Copious quotations are made from the
report OF the chief OF ordnance relative to
the success Of the domestic manufactur-
ers in producing high grade steel, and the
adyisability Of increased appropriations
for the supply OF ordnance for expert.
ments with dynamite torpedo guns and
those now in progress with shells charged
with high explosives, fired by means Of
gun-powder.
In concluding bis report the secretary
says: The result of the examination for
promotion under the civil service regula-
tions, which were applied to the war
department in May, was satisfactory.
The total number Of clerks examined
was 1914, OF which 963, or 90 per cent,
passed.
~ renew the recommendation con-
tanned in my previous reports, and in
those OF my predecessor, for the appoint
ment Of an assistant secretary of war
and an assistant attorney general to adj
wise and assist in legal and technical
questions which daily occur"
THE PACIFIC COASTS WANTS.
Attention Is called to the flct that the
PaeiRs coast is destitute sf Notifications,